Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering

The Ph.D. program in BME offers education and advanced research experience in a number of biomedical subspecialties. Our new laboratory facilities in OHSU's Center for Health and Healing are conveniently located at the base of the aerial tram, which connects with other basic research and clinical facilities on the Marquam Hill campus. Students begin research in their first term, and most research is interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with basic scientists and/or clinicians in other departments or local industries. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as principal investigators in academia or managers in biotechnology industry.

Admission to the program is very selective. Preference is given to applicants with strong academic and research backgrounds in engineering, math, physics, chemistry or biology. Applicants are expected to have a B.S. or M.S. degree in engineering or biology and to have taken courses in calculus through ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, organic chemistry, calculus based physics, probability and statistics, and basic programming skills in a higher-level language.

Because our Ph.D. students are supported financially by their advisors research grants, admission decisions are dependent on finding a match between the students research interests and those of a faculty member who has funding for the student.

The program requires students to take a course in scientific ethics and one in probability and statistical analysis and a minimum of four elective courses. A student's dissertation advisory committee provides guidance in course selection and research focus. Courses are not limited to those offered in Biomedical Engineering but may be drawn from other graduate programs within OHSU. It is recommended that students attend BME seminars every term (3 terms required).

Full-time students generally take their qualifying examination in their second year, and complete their program in 5 years or less. Financial support is provided to cover the student's tuition, fees, medical and dental health insurance, and a stipend.

Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Course Requirements for the Ph.D. degree in BME are:

• MATH 630 Probability and Statistical Inference for Scientists and Engineers <3 credits>
  

• CONJ 650 The Practice and Ethics of Science <1 credit>
  

• BME 607 Biomedical Engineering Seminar (every term recommended, 3 term minimum)
  

• Minimum of 4 elective courses
  

• Ph.D. Dissertation
  

• Minimum of 135 total credit hours (research plus course credits)

Choosing Electives for the BME PhD Degree
There are three common elective "tracks" within the BME program that students typically choose to help guide their course selection. Note that these course lists provide guidelines; the specific courses taken by any student are decided upon through consultation with the student's advisor and program committee, and vary according to the students interests, background, and chosen area of research.

Degree Tracks

Biomedical Optics Track

Neuroengineering Track

Vascular Engineering Track